RideonJapan has officially announced Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm, the latest entry in its Mercenaries Saga tactical RPG series. Designed for the Nintendo Switch, this new installment builds on the strategic depth of previous games while introducing a fresh combat system inspired by chess and shogi, traditional Japanese board games that emphasize strategy and piece movement. In Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm, players manage a mercenary company, advancing characters through skill development and equipment upgrades. Combat unfolds on top-down, grid-based maps where elevation and positioning play a crucial role in unit interactions. Players can choose from a variety of roles, including melee fighters, long-range snipers, and healers who support their allies during battles. The game emphasizes strategic planning and adaptability, with each decision potentially influencing the outcome of a battle. A key innovation in this title is its turn-based combat system, where each movement by an allied unit is immediately followed by a reaction from an enemy unit. This contrasts with traditional tactical RPGs, where all allies act before enemies respond. This mechanic increases the tension of each battle, requiring players to anticipate enemy actions and react quickly. The dynamic nature of the combat system adds a layer of challenge and realism to the gameplay. The story is set in the Kingdom of Glauces, a land ruled by the tyrannical King O'Neill, who has imposed heavy taxes and oppression on its people. Swan, the protagonist, is a young leader of the Iron Arm mercenaries, a group of warriors who have banded together after losing their homes. Swan, once a child soldier, hides his vulnerabilities behind a strong exterior, showing unwavering loyalty to his companions. His path crosses with Berta, a general from the powerful O'Neill family, whose sister is the king. Berta, known for her determination and quick temper, is thrust into power after her brother's death, facing a political landscape where vassals pursue their own interests. Swan and his mercenaries, led by Gersh, rescue Berta from a northern tower, setting off a chain of events that reshapes the kingdom and intertwines their fates. The game features a unique class progression system known as the "Ladder Class," which allows characters to move flexibly between eight distinct classes, from beginner to special. This system gives players greater freedom in customizing their mercenaries' abilities. Each class has unique traits, enabling tailored strategies for different combat scenarios. Additionally, a power gauge on the screen fills as players attack or defend, allowing the use of "Soul Exceed" abilities. These special moves can either deal heavy damage to enemies or heal allies, significantly impacting battle outcomes. The character designs are crafted by illustrator mitsu_plus, renowned for his expressive and emotionally resonant artwork. The game’s visuals, with detailed animations and nuanced facial expressions, enhance the immersive experience of its fantastical world, drawing players deeper into the story of Mercenaries Grace: Black Feather and the Golden Right Arm.